Digital Social Hour: Small Town Dreams to Social Media Success Story | Marty Ray Project DSH #956

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Marty Ray
Release Date: December 6, 2024

Introduction

In episode #956 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Marty Ray, an emerging musician whose journey from small-town Arkansas to social media stardom is both inspiring and heartwarming. Marty shares his experiences navigating the music industry, forging unexpected friendships with legends like B.B. King and Vanilla Ice, and finding purpose through his unwavering faith.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Marty Ray opens up about his humble beginnings in Blytheville, Arkansas, and his upbringing in a tight-knit community. Growing up in a small town with a population of around 2,000, Marty reflects on the limited horizons and the conventional dreams instilled by his environment.

Marty Ray [36:25]: "Blytheville was the big town I grew up in, not really in, but I grew up in a smaller town outside of that small, big town."

Despite the odds, Marty discovered his passion for music in his early twenties, learning to play the guitar with basic chords (G, D, E minor, and C) and experimenting with creating his own songs. His love for hip-hop from the '90s heavily influenced his early musical endeavors.

Marty Ray [03:20]: "I was big into hip hop back in the 90s, you know, when I was young. Boy."

Breaking Through: Viral Success and Vanilla Ice Connection

Marty recounts a pivotal moment when he posted a parody video titled "All About That Beard," a twist on Meghan Trainor's hit "All About That Bass." The video went viral, amassing over 200 million views across various platforms overnight.

Marty Ray [04:41]: "I posted it at about 3 o'clock in the morning... overnight that thing got millions and millions of views."

This surge in popularity caught the attention of Vanilla Ice, who reached out to Marty. What began as unexpected messaging from people claiming to be Vanilla Ice's friends eventually led to a direct connection. Marty describes receiving a call from "Rob," himself Vanilla Ice, inviting him to join a 90s tour in Miami.

Marty Ray [07:43]: "I get a call and I answer just like always... and he goes, 'What's up, man? It's Rob.'"

Joining the tour was a transformative experience, propelling Marty from small audiences to performing in front of 40,000 fans. This opportunity solidified his belief that his path was divinely guided.

Marty Ray [09:23]: "I went from one show playing for 100 people to the second show playing for 40,000."

A Divine Friendship: Connecting with B.B. King

One of the most profound moments in Marty's journey was his encounter with B.B. King. While working as a tow truck operator for his father, Marty attended one of B.B. King's last concerts in Memphis. During the show, B.B. King singled him out, leading to an unforgettable backstage meeting where Martin received a signed album and a personal photo.

Marty Ray [17:40]: "I have a picture of B.B. King. And he signed both of those."

This divine appointment reinforced Marty's faith and commitment to his music career, providing him with the encouragement to persevere despite setbacks.

Marty Ray [20:34]: "That's his way to continue to honor my little bit of effort."

Overcoming Personal Challenges Through Faith

Marty's path to success was not without its hardships. He shares a harrowing story from his late teens when a reckless encounter almost cost him his life. This near-death experience was a turning point, leading Marty to fully embrace his Christian faith.

Marty Ray [28:09]: "I then started getting into his Word, and I started, you know, going... I gotta be in there because I. I'm not able to live a good life without being constantly filled with the word from the Lord."

Marty emphasizes the importance of perseverance and viewing his mission as a calling rather than a mere ambition. His faith became the cornerstone of his resilience, guiding him through the valleys of his career.

Marty Ray [20:42]: "If you really look at it as a calling, you can't give up on that because that's your purpose."

Insights on the Music Industry and Independence

Discussing the modern music landscape, Marty critiques the current industry's lack of development deals and genuine support for artists. He contrasts this with the past, where record labels were more invested in nurturing talent.

Marty Ray [11:27]: "The music industry will chew you up and spit you out. You're just a number to them."

Opting for independence, Marty has built a dedicated fan base of approximately 1.5 million across various platforms. He highlights the importance of authenticity in his music, rejecting the prevalent use of auto-tune and digital enhancements to maintain a genuine sound.

Marty Ray [39:30]: "There is not one stitch of auto tune, no. No melodyne, no nothing."

Purpose and Faith: Living for Others

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Marty’s philosophy on purpose and faith. He underscores the Christian principle of selflessness, inspired by Jesus' teachings.

Marty Ray [21:38]: "Everybody in this world would have a better life if they realized one thing. Jesus said when he gave his life on the cross, he said, 'Love others as I have loved you.'"

Marty passionately argues against the notion propagated by secular entities that human existence lacks inherent purpose. Instead, he affirms that each person is a treasured creation with a divine purpose.

Marty Ray [22:05]: "God said, I built all of this. I made all of this creation and then I put you here. You are the most prized creation."

Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

As the conversation winds down, Marty reflects on his musical influences, particularly the '90s era, and expresses a keen interest in collaborating with music legends like B.B. King and Charlie Daniels.

Marty Ray [40:56]: "If I could do a song with somebody, that'd be really cool."

He also mentions his entrepreneurial ventures, including owning a beard oil company, showcasing his multifaceted approach to building his brand.

Marty Ray [44:52]: "I just bought this beard oil company. Can you believe I own a beard company?"

Marty concludes the episode with a heartfelt message about gratitude and the blessings he’s received, hoping to continue inspiring others through his music and story.

Marty Ray [20:34]: "That's his way to continue to honor my little bit of effort."

Notable Quotes

• Marty Ray [07:43]: "I get a call and I answer just like always... and he goes, 'What's up, man? It's Rob.'"
• Marty Ray [09:23]: "I went from one show playing for 100 people to the second show playing for 40,000."
• Marty Ray [28:09]: "I started getting into his Word... I can't live a good life without being constantly filled with the word from the Lord."
• Marty Ray [20:42]: "If you really look at it as a calling, you can't give up on that because that's your purpose."
• Marty Ray [22:05]: "God said, I built all of this... You are the most prized creation."
• Marty Ray [39:30]: "There is not one stitch of auto tune, no. No melodyne, no nothing."

Conclusion

Marty Ray's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and authenticity in the pursuit of one's dreams. From a small-town beginnings to achieving viral success and forming meaningful connections with music legends, Marty exemplifies how staying true to oneself and one's purpose can lead to remarkable achievements. Sean Kelly's insightful hosting brings out the essence of Marty's journey, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring artists and believers alike.

Find Marty Ray Project:

• Music Streaming: Available on all major platforms.
• Beard Oil Company: Elyzer Beard
• Social Media: @MartyRayProject on all major platforms.

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